Master curves based on time integration of thermal work in particulate materials

Abstract

Thermal cycle designs for sintering and thermal decomposition processes are one of the most critical steps to produce quality components using any of the several particulate materials processing options. Recently, researchers have been applying the concept of time integration of thermal work to sintering and thermal decomposition processes for analysing and optimising thermal processes. This concept provides a master curve for a given material system, which is very useful in real application. This paper provides the theoretical background and applications in these master curve approaches: Master Sintering Curves (MSC) for grain growth and densification; and Master Decomposition Curve (MDC) for thermal debinding/delubrication processes.